The Man Behind the Painting that Ruined His Career: John Singer Sargent

"Madame X", John Singer Sargent

Self portrait of John Singer Sargent

        

             John Singer Sargent, an American artist, was considered to be the "leading portrait painter of his generation", especially for his evocations of Edwardian era luxury. During his lifetime, he created more than 900 oil paintings as well as more than 200 water colors in addition to countless sketches and charcoal drawings he also completed. His most infamous, and probably the most controversial one, painting was Madame X, which he painted from 1883 to 1884. Now, the painting is regarded as one of his best works, and was also the artist's favorite. When it was submitted to the Salon in 1884, its original intention was to solidify his position as a society painter. However, instead of establishing a good reputation for him, it created a scandal. Critics at the Salon lashed out at the painting and attacked it for being a "scandalous, immoral image". With its daring plunging neckline, which was criticized for being too provocative, porcelain white skin, her head arrogantly cocked to the side, and her off-shoulder dress, the painting was deemed too "scandalous" and "sensual". Even though Sargent didn't include her name in the title, the public recognized the subject of this infamous painting right away as Virginie Gautreau, the notorious Parisian beauty, whom Sargent had a great desire to paint, as he wanted to "pay homage to her beauty". In the book, I Am Madame X, the main character, Virginie, is "Madame X" in the painting. She is also known for her stunning beauty as well as being involved in scandals.